Turn On The Jets Roundtable Week 5 – Jets/Texans Predictions

Chris Gross – Texans 27, Jets 20 – Rex Ryan and his coaching staff will have this team ready to come out swinging after last week’s debacle. Every news outlet and their brothers are already writing the 2-2, 1st place Jets off, as good as dead. However, the Rex-led Jets have historically played their best football with their backs against the wall. in 2010, they didn’t have a snow ball’s chance in hell to go into New England in the post season and beat Tom Brady and the Patriots at home, particularly after the 45-3 blowout New York suffered to New England in their previous meeting.

Tonight, the Jets face a 4-0 Houston team in a similar predicament. The difference this time is that the defense is not nearly as good, and the talent on offense has dropped off tremendously. The Jets will come out and play desperate, throwing everything including the kitchen sink at Houston in all three phases of the game. However, unlike in 2010, this unit does not posses the talent to couple with the sense of desperation needed for an upset. New York keeps it closer than everyone is predicting, but in the end, they will prove unable to stop the vast amount of playmakers Houston has all over the board.

Mike Donnelly – I know what everyone is thinking — this game is going to be an absolute disaster. The Jets won’t be able to move the ball, won’t stop Arian Foster, won’t get anywhere near Matt Schaub, etc, etc etc. I know that’s the perception, but I don’t think it’s going to be the reality. This team right now is like a wounded dog that’s cornered, and I expect them to come out swinging. Don’t think for a second Rex Ryan hasn’t reminded his defense every day about Carlos Rogers saying they quit last week. They’re going to play really well and keep the team in the game tonight. On offense, it’s Tebow time and we are gonna see a much bigger dose of him to make up for the fact Mark Sanchez is throwing passes to low-level high school calibre players like Jeff Cumberlamd in the base offense. I don’t think the Jets are going to win, but I expect them to show some pride and keep it close all the way before ultimately falling short, 24-20.

Chris Celletti – When I was picking this week’s games for our Race For The Steak, I picked the Jets +8.5. I’m not really sure why the hell I did that, so here comes a total hedge. I don’t see the Jets being very much competitive on Monday night. The Texans will run the ball right down the Jets’ throat, controlling the clock and field position. The few times the Jets offense does have the ball, I don’t expect it to be pretty. The roster the Jets are throwing out there, offensively, on Monday night is one of the worst collection of skill position players the franchise has ever assembled. This Jets’ offense is worse than the ones they had under Rich Kotite. How are they supposed to score any points? Maybe the Jets score in garbage time or on special teams. Other than that, I see almost no hope. Texans 24, Jets 7

Rob Celletti -Honestly, I’m tired of hearing how bad the Jets are. I’m tired of reading it, hearing it, seeing it, writing about it. They’re injured, they lack depth, there are questions about the general manager, coach and quarterback; these are all valid points. But analysis of the NFL is often driven by hyperbolic narratives that change week to week: one win, and everyone thinks you’re a contender; one loss, you’re in serious trouble. The Jets are 2-2, it’s October 8th. There are still 12 football games to be played.

Why am I so positive? Because I think somehow, the Jets show up tonight and compete. Offensively, yes, the Jets are challenged, but the defense is due for at least a representative performance. I think they keep the Jets in this game. I also think Joe McKnight and Jeremy Kerley will make their presence felt on special teams. As I wrote last week, these are major factors in the recipe for an upset. On offense, it’s anyone’s guess. I wish I could tell you that Mark Sanchez will find a way to put 14 points on the board, aided by a heavy dose of Tim Tebow. If the Jets offense can manage two touchdowns, I think they have a decent shot at winning this game.